Game Center ゲ－ムセンタ

• Iconic Sega Club 

In Akihabara there are several Sega Clubs. But this is the most important, located on Chuo Dori. You cannot miss it with its red front and six floors. It has everything: Street Fighter versus-fighting, the UFO Catchers, the games where you have to catch a prize with a claw that doesn't catch anything, as well as racing games and arcade booths. Otaku paradise is in sight!

On the Yamanote Line, get off at Akihabara, open daily. from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; 1-10-9 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku

• Taito Hey, the challenge

One of the biggest Japanese arcades. Taito Hey focuses on shoot 'em up and versus-fighting, with the latest titles. It is also one of the hardcore gamers landmarks, for the most intensely passionate players, resulting in a very high general level. The center also holds the dream of otaku: 10円 to play a legendary game...

On the Yamanote Line, get off at Akihabara, open daily. from 10 a.m. to midnight; 1-10-5 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku

• A Button, relaxation

A Button Bar is located a little away from the bustle of Akihabara. This bar recreates the atmosphere of old-style arcades. On the wall are consoles and controllers from all different times. Even that of Takahashi Meijin, the man who can press a key 16 per second. A discreet and nice place to have a drink and play at the same time.

On the Yamanote Line, get off at Akihabara, open daily. except Monday, from 5 p.m. to midnight (4 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 1-13-9, Taitou, Taitou-Ku )

• Mikado, retro

Small independent game room located in Shinjuku, Mikado has the merit of proposing old arcade games like in the 1980s. If you're lucky, you could meet greats names of versus-fighting. And as in life there are not only video games, the room also has 3 pinball tables.

On the Yamanote Line, get off at Takadanobaba, open daily. from 10 a.m. to midnight; 4-5-10 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku

• Super Potato, the cave

Super Potato is probably the Ali Baba's cave of gamers. On the top floor are some arcade games offering all types of games. But  it is the other floors that make it a must to visit. It has (almost) all consoles, lots of affordable games and collectibles. If you are looking for a particular game, this is where you will find it.

On the Yamanote Line, get off at Akihabara, open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, 1-11-2 Soto-Kanda, Kitabayashi Building 3F-5F, Chiyoda-ku